A07407:191
The justification of man by faith onlyThe iustification of man by faith only
The justification of man by faith only: made and written by Philip Melanchthon. and translated out of the Latin in to this our mother tongue by Nicholas Less of London An apology or defence of the word of God, declaring what a necessary thing it is, to be in all mens hands, the want where of is the only cause of all ungodliness committed through the whole earth, made by the said Nicholas LessThe iustification of man by faith only: made and vvritten by Phylyp Melanchton. and translated out of the Latyn in to this oure mother tonge by Nicholas Lesse of London An apologie or defence of the worde of God, declaringe what a necessary thynge it is, to be in all mennes handes, the want wher of is the only cause of al vngodlienes committed thorowe the whole earth, made by the sayde Nicholas Lesse
Imprinted at London : In Fleet street at the sign of the George next to Saint Dunstones church by William Powell, in the year of our Lord God .M.CCCCC.XLVIII. the .XI. day of October 1548Imprinted at London : In Flete strete at the signe of the George next to Saynt Dunstones church by VVilliam Powell, in the yere of oure Lorde God .M.CCCCC.XLVIII. the .XI. daye of October 1548
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
¶ O what a goodly piece of work, and well framed building would this be? how even and well proportioned a matter, how excellent a frame. A frame? worthy forsooth to be put in pattern, for an example to all them which are most expert and cunning workmasters. Howe long time would it be if a man would thus begin to build an house to dwell in, or a ship to sail with, or that he should make an end and finish his work? All men truly might most justly laugh him to scorn. Likewise how long time should that man live or that any kind of virtues should take any rote in him, which endeavoureth all that he may, to make the Scriptures for his own purpose of life and not rather framing his life to the Scriptures? Howe great blasphemy is it to God's word when we go about to flatter our own selves in our most detestable vices: by the example of the falls ⟨p. lxxxii⟩of godly men, which by frailness of this flesh, after they have fallen, did not long lye still but with sorrowful repentance and perfect confidence in the only mercy of God by the help of the holy spirit did rise up manfully again. This is the lack both of the fear and of the love of god. This lack of fear and love is through out all the earth: beginning at them which have the keys delivered to them of the opening of the Scriptures unto the very lowest, and most (to seem to) vile and abject person that liveth:1 What a great number of souls are committed to the cure and charge of the Bishops, to be fed and made fat with the pregnant word of God. What great livings have they given to them for none other cause, but that they should be diligent therein. What rents, what fees have they, more like Earls and Dukes than pore spiritual pastors of Christ hꝭ sheep. And not unworthy forsooth, but right well bestowed, if they would declare them self no less desirous, of the health of their flock, than they be greedy in gathering of their revenues and rents. God forbid all should be of that mind. Some Bishops, without doubt, I know of the contrary mind and study (whom I pray the Lord preserve and ⟨image 83⟩continue in their good purpose) I think verily, and you may say and affirm also that their be but some, not many, the less the number, the more to be lamented The thing it self every where declareth. and openly testifieth, how slack and loose they be in doing of their duty.